Mink farming has been banned in many European countries. The welfare implications of industry phase-out and the situation for remaining mink in legal producing countries merit attention.
The mink farming ban movement represents one of the most significant farm animal welfare policy advances of the past two decades. Recognition that cage farming of a semi-aquatic, territory-requiring predator causes welfare compromise incompatible with acceptable standards has driven legislative action across Europe. The COVID-19 culls demonstrated additional risks from intensive mink farming beyond welfare alone. Continued advocacy for bans in remaining legal jurisdictions, and consumer rejection of real fur products regardless of origin, can build on this progress.